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Our Correspondent
SENAPATI, Dec 8: Most Rev Dr Linus Neli, DD became the new Archbishop of Imphal after an Episcopal ordination ceremony held today at St John Bosco Parish, Maram Khunou, Senapati District Headquarters.
It may be noted that the new Archbishop of Imphal is the first from Senapati district to make it to Vatican's list of approval.
Retired and outgoing Most Rev Dominic Lumon, DD, Archbishop Emeritus was the chief consecrator while Archbishop of Guwahati Most Rev John Moolacchira, DD and Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev James Thoppil, DD were the co-consecrators.
The Episcopal Ordination was held in the presence of His Excellency Leopoldo Girelli who is the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal.
Archbishop Dr Linus Neli, DD was born on April 26, 1958 at Punanamei village, Senapati district. He belongs to Papal Seminary, Pune and took priestly ordination on December 20, 1984. Apart from various appointments in his life, he was elected Archbishop of Imphal on October 7, 2023 and Episcopal Consecration on December 8, Friday.
During the ordination, the Chief Consecrator led the rites or ordination of a Bishop, presentation of the Bishop elect, reading of the apostolic letter, Homily, Promise of the elect and litany of the saints.
His Excellency, Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal in his speech urged the gathering to be steward of faith for overall growth spiritually, faith and growth for mission as a witness for people of God.
The Episcopal Ordination ceremony was followed by a felicitation and cultural session.
The new Archbishop of Imphal while speaking at the occasion, expressed gratitude to all for the support and encouragement extended in every possible way.
Commendation notes from Archbishops of different States across the country, Outer Manipur MP, MLAs and other organizations were read out during the programme.
The event was also attended by 4 Archbishops, 14 bishops, 240 priests, 500 nuns from all over the Northeastern States.